Bulls lure Paarl Boys’ High Director of Rugby to Loftus Versfeld

The Bulls have confirmed the appointment of Neil de Bruin to their coaching staff as head coach Johan Ackermann continues to reshape his backroom team following a difficult start to the season.

De Bruin, who was most recently the Director of Rugby at Paarl Boys’ High, joins the Pretoria-based side in the wake of the departure of assistant coach Chris Rossouw.

Confirmed the news

He is expected to take over the attack and backs portfolio.

The Paarl-based school, who ended the 2025 season as the No 1-ranked school in the country, confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Friday.

Familiar partnership with Johan Ackermann

The appointment reunites De Bruin with Ackermann, with the pair having worked together during their time in Japan Rugby League One at the Red Hurricanes and D-Rocks.

De Bruin also served as attack coach at the Lions between 2018 and 2020, gaining valuable experience in the United Rugby Championship environment.

His arrival is seen as a strategic move aimed at improving the Bulls’ attacking structures, creativity and execution, areas that have come under scrutiny following the team’s five consecutive defeats at the start of Ackermann’s tenure.

Experience across levels

De Bruin brings a wealth of experience across school, provincial and professional rugby, having built a reputation for developing attacking systems and nurturing young talent.

His recent role at Paarl Boys’ High further underlined his credentials as a coach capable of shaping players and structures over the long term.

The Bulls believe his understanding of Ackermann’s coaching philosophy will allow for a seamless transition and quick impact within the squad.

Part of a broader rebuild

De Bruin’s appointment comes amid broader changes at Loftus Versfeld, with the Bulls also reportedly receiving advisory support from Springbok coaches Duane Vermeulen and Felix Jones.

With pressure mounting, the Bulls’ management is clearly moving to stabilise the team and restore confidence, and De Bruin’s arrival signals a key step in reinforcing Ackermann’s rebuild as the season progresses.